'Winning Back-to-Back Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Medals Is No Easy Feat,' Says Harmanpreet Singh

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In a thrilling finale, the Indian men’s hockey team successfully defended their Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title with a narrow 1-0 win over hosts China at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir.

Jugraj Singh’s 51st-minute strike secured the victory, marking India’s record-extending fifth title, further solidifying their status as the most successful team in the tournament's history.

The win also ensured back-to-back titles for India, following their triumph in 2023. India had similarly achieved consecutive titles in 2016 and 2018.

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who led by example, finished as India's leading goal-scorer in the 2024 edition, with an impressive seven goals—two field goals and five from penalty corners.

For his efforts, he was named Player of the Tournament. Reflecting on the win, Harmanpreet said, “It’s very tough to win medals in back-to-back tournaments, whether it’s the Olympics or the Asian Champions Trophy. The last match was tough, but finals are always like that."

Discussing China’s improving gameplay, he acknowledged the challenges they posed. “China has improved a lot as a team; they are getting better. We had a plan to keep possession, and we executed it,” he said, praising the young talent in the squad. “There are a lot of youngsters in our squad, and they performed very well."

Harmanpreet also emphasized the difficulty of their 3-0 win over China in the group stages, noting, “Their structure is different from other teams, which made it challenging.”

On being called 'Sarpanch Saab' by fans, he humbly added, “Getting recognition from hockey is a very big thing. It’s all because of hockey that people are calling me Sarpanch Saab, and it feels good.”